RBA Sept meeting minutes: Considered a 25bp rate hike or on hold alternatives

Reserve Bank of Australia September 2023 meeting minutes.

  • Considered raising rates by 25 bps or holding steady at the September
    meeting
  • Some further
    tightening may be required should inflation prove more persistent
    than expected
  • Case to hold was
    stronger, recent data did not materially alter the economic outlook
  • Economy still
    appears to be on a narrow path by which inflation returns to target,
    employment grows
  • Members recognize the value of allowing more time to see full effects from past tightening
    on the economy
  • Policy moves will be
    guided by incoming data and assessment of risks
  • Concerned about
    productivity growth not picking up as anticipated, services inflation
    remaining sticky
  • Fuel prices rose
    sharply in August, could boost headline inflation in Q3
  • Members noted that the labour
    market remains tight, but could be at a turning point
  • Scheduled mortgage
    payments rose to a historical high of 9.7% of household income in
    July, set to increase further

Headlines via Reuters

These two points:

  • Fuel prices rose
    sharply in August, could boost headline inflation in Q3
  • Scheduled mortgage
    payments rose to a historical high of 9.7% of household income in
    July, set to increase further

are interesting. Yes, the headline inflation rate will get a bump from rising fuel prices. The rise has continued into September. And discretionary spending is being cut in response to rising mortgage payments. Stick those two together and the outlook for consumption appears to be dire and is likely to weigh on economic growth.

The full text is here:

Background here:

Economic calendar in Asia, Tuesday, 19 September 2023 – RBA September meeting minutes

Reserve Bank of Australia September meeting minutes are due soon – preview

The RBA cash rate vs. the quarterly and monthly CPIs.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com. Source